The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of an underwater ship perimeter security monitoring system based on the application and modification of commercially produced hydroacoustic systems and software. The existing hydroacoustic systems are based on SONAR technology common to many navigation and ranging systems but the BioSonics digital sonar equipment and software have been developed and enhanced for scientific detection and monitoring of plankton, fish, marine mammals, plants, sediments, and physical characteristics of marine and aquatic environments. This proposal will explore the adaptation of this COTS technology to the security applications defined in the RFP. The system resulting from this project will be self-contained, portable, simple to set up and operate, PC-based, and usable on virtually any vessel or platform regardless of size or configuration. PC-based software will control the echosounder configuration and operation, collect and record acoustic data, and screen and analyze acoustic signals. Target signature databases will be developed to enable characterization of targets and identification of potential threats.
Benefits: Underwater detection and target analysis currently used for many purposes. However, these systems normally require a high degree of operator intervention and interaction and rely heavily on post processing for analysis of acoustic signal data. A system which could be programmed to perform initial analysis of targets and assign targets to categories for classification and/or response could extend the use of low-cost hydroacoustics to many new areas. Activities in marinas, at ships locks, at aquaculture facilities, in canals and riverine waterways, and in nearshore environments are increasingly in need of monitoring for activity below the surface. The need to start, stop, or modify activities (such as at hydroelectric facilities, locks, water intakes) could be enhanced or simplified by incorporating such a system.
Keywords: acoustic, monitoring, warning, hydroacoustic, security, target, SONAR, transducer
